“Мисия Лондон” / Mission London
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Autor:
Alek Popov
Country:
Bulgaria (BG)
Book Theme:
From book to video
Publisher:
Ciela
Publishing Year:
Alek Popov is one of the most popular contemporary Bulgarian writers, working not only as a novelist but also a dramatist, essayist and short-story writer. His hugely successful first novel, the comic satire Mission London, based on his experiences as Bulgarian cultural attaché in London, has been translated into sixteen languages. The book was filmed in 2010, becoming the most popular Bulgarian film since the revolution of 1990. In 2012 he was elected corresponding member of the Bulgarian Academy of Science in the field of Arts, the youngest member of the Academy to date. He serves on the board of Bulgarian PEN and is part of the editorial body of the literary magazine Granta Bulgaria. The Black Box, his second novel, appeared in six languages and was a bestseller in Germany.
National Award for Children’s and Young People’s
Abstract
The new Bulgarian ambassador to London is determined to satisfy the whims of his bosses at all costs. Putting himself at the mercy of a shady PR-agency, he is promised direct access to the very highest social circles. Meanwhile, on the lower levels of the embassy, things are not as they should be. With criminal gangs operating in the kitchens, police on the trail of missing ducks from Hyde Park and a sexy Princess Diana impersonator employed as the cleaner, how is an ambassador supposed to do his job?
Combining the themes of corruption, confusion and outright incompetence, Popov masterly brings together the multiple plot lines in a sumptuous carnival of frenzy and futile vanity, allowing the illusions and delusions of the post-communist society to be reflected in their glorious absurdity!
“This is a true European comic novel in the best tradition of P.G. Wodehouse, Roald Dahl and Tom Sharp. An excellent narrative; a great awareness for detail; a fresh sense of humour and most importantly – a sense of moderation. The situations are typically Bulgarian, yet the irony brings a taste of Englishness.” 24 Hours
